Hi,
My friend, visiting Sydney from overseas is seeking the lowest cost CT Scan on his lower back in Sydney region please.
He is not covered by Medicare (or his travel insurance because he failed to pre-declare a pre-existing condition to the insurer.)
His alternatives are to:
Find a low cost CT Scan here.
Return to his home country to have it done there.
Prefer option 1.
Thanks very much in advance for any advice or assistance.
You'll have to go to radiology clinic. They are very unlikely to do a payment plan. Just ring around. Alot wont price without a consult (which costs in itself), but you can only try.
Could he consider just getting a few x-rays as it is just his lower back?
Advice for next time, tell insurer everything.
Has a Doctor here said do CT Scan or is that just what your friend thinks…
Often after a CT a MRI is done or required as well.
(Depends how bad things are).
Your friend should check if the Country they are from and Australian Medicare have a reciprocal agreement.
https://www.humanservices.gov.au/individuals/enablers/rhca-m…
Also, if considering a return to home country (to have it done there) ask
his Doctor here, "Can I Fly to Home Country?"
Get a Medical Travel Clearance from the Airline for the Doctor to complete prior to booking a flight.
You won't get a CT scan lower than
$40-70 to see GP
$300-400 to get an CT lower back. ? why not go all the way for MRI, cost $100 more
$40-70 to see GP for the results.
Happy hunting!
Different modalities are used to diagnose different problems. I'm not sure if it's MRI that OP's friend needs.
And, correct me if I'm wrong, but I think MRI referrals can only come from specialists, not GPs.
GPs can do MRI referrals. Radiology clinics will accept referrals for any modality from any doctor, GP or specialist. However, only MRI of the head, neck and knee, from a GP, will be bulk billed. The bulk billed list for a specialist is more extensive.
The general rule of thumb, CT for bone issues, and MRI for nerve compression and soft tissue issues when it comes to the lower back.
They charge you after the scan. Just give them a dead card and tell them you will pay later.
They will then arrange a payment plan;)
Worked for me.
People who cheat and skimp like you are the scum of society…
Paying in installments isn't skimping, it's called smart.
But won’t they hold your results until they are all paid up?
Both Options are Option 1.
All the hospitals will be via Medicare. So perhaps a teaching radiology clinic?